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MENIFEE (CBS) — A 58-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty Tuesday for allegedly beating his neighbor’s Chihuahua to death with a golf club.

Larry Edward Jaurequi, who’s free on bail, could face four years behind bars if convicted.

According to Riverside County sheriff’s officials, the defendant struck the 6-pound Chihuahua, named “Lily”, after the dog and a poodle mix got loose from their owner’s property.

The dogs were roaming the 28100 block of Summitrose Drive when Jaurequi, who lives nearby, approached and “swung the club against the Chihuahua as if driving a golf ball off its tee,” Riverside County sheriff’s deputy Sergio Rodriguez said.

“The force of the swing sent the animal flying through the air,” Rodriguez said. “The suspect was preparing for a second swing when he was stopped by people that just witnessed his acts.”

The dog’s owner, Barbara Hitchman, arrived soon after and confronted Jaurequi. She took Lily to a veterinary clinic where she died of a lacerated liver, brain damage and a leg fracture.